I mean, it all sounds logical what Arbeloa is saying, but it really is true. I for one love it when I see an academy player do well, particularly when it is clear he's a cut above (and therefore has a bright future ahead of him if he keeps working). It just hits different. Truly hope Arbeloa is the first of many to give consistent minutes to highly talented academy players. And I specifically say "highly talented", because in the past it always seemed like we gave any random academy player - sometimes even 22 year olds that have zero future at the club - a minute or two just to fill some weird quota (or to get them on the pitch to increase value), and you just knew it wasn't serious.
Cestero turns 20 this month and hasn't featured for Spain at any youth level yet. So despite Arbeloa claiming he's the best #6 talent in Spain while coaching Castilla, Spanish U16 - U20 youth set up doesn't seem to rate him highly much like Gila, Asencio etc when they were in that age group. Pitarch, Manuel Angel and Palacios has regularly featured for Spanish youth teams. Latest reports say Pitarch will get U-21 call up soon. He's currently playing for Spainish U-20.
Arbeloa will say whatever will get him through the press conference. I wouldn't pay that any attention.
🚨 JUST IN: Álvaro Arbeloa held a meeting with four of his key players - Tchouaméni, Valverde, Rüdiger and Vini Jr.The coach wanted to know how they’re doing physically before making decisions for tonight’s match.The players’ response: WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED. @marca pic.twitter.com/1ElbzPqOze— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 14, 2026
Starting lineup out for Elche: Once inicial del Real Madrid: 1. Courtois 2. Carvajal 22. Rüdiger 24. Huijsen 20. Fran García 8. Valverde 45. Thiago 14. Tchouameni 6. Camavinga 21. Brahim 7. Vini Jr. Suplentes: 13. Lunin 43. Sergio Mestre 12. Trent 15. Arda Güler 16. Gonzalo 27. Diego Aguado 37. Manuel Ángel 38. Palacios 42. Yáñez.
Another player who doesn’t trust our doctors and medical, then somehow finds a solution and is better. Not even a coincidence at this point. 🚨 Antonio Rüdiger found the SOLUTION to his physical problems in London.In the hands of a specialist who designed a specific medical and physical treatment for him, he has managed to leave behind his knee pains. A plan based on injections and detailed work that has worked… pic.twitter.com/q6FhW2nXAM— Ken (@K3N3_X) March 14, 2026
❗️Two games left to play before the international break. pic.twitter.com/jX9l3rsf2g— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 14, 2026 This was a make or break few weeks for us. We have done extremely well. If we go through and beat Atleti it may be the turning point after a dreadful first half of the season.
🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “Surprised by Fede Valverde’s game vs Man City? No. There’s a reason I kept my coaching license. The hat-trick was incredible.I sent him a message saying ‘It’s a shame you don’t have a Brazil passport’ (laughs).” @marca pic.twitter.com/k7xLjbR5MV— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 16, 2026
There's no limit to how lame the club's refusal to partake in the retro weekend is. Every single club other than Barca and Madrid will participate. But the two special babies, oh no. We can't. How impossibly lame. I don't buy the excuses of how difficult it is to plan for. Clubs with 1/20th of your budget manage it. Just trying to be "special" against something that EVERYBODY would enjoy.
How does it feel to live in a world of conspiracies fueled by internet misinformation? Asking for a friend.
🚨 Gonzalo García is dealing with knee discomfort for about a month.He feels better after conservative treatment, but it still affects some of his movements. @MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/A33AdrODnT— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 16, 2026 The Pintus effect
He's a fing pro athlete. Of course he's dealing with discomfort cause everybody is. I don't see anybody calling out a physios name whenever Reese James falls into a couple hundred pieces once a month.
What is funniest is how these types pick and choose which misinformation to lose their minds over, then after proven false they disregard their previous behavior and reactions and move on to their next "episode".
Retro weekend sounds like a cool idea. Apparently, RM, Barca, Getafe, Rayo won't wear retro kits due to current kit sponsorship agreements.
Interesting.. first time I have heard of this. I wonder if this is from the club, the corporation or a mix of both? For instance I wonder due to the wording of the contract either party or both don't want to do this because they don't benefit as they desire.
Heart of 15th CL premiered on RM TV English at 21:30 CET. Will be available for streaming on RM Play English until 9.30 AM CET. I am watching right now.
🗣️ ¿Qué pasó en el descanso de aquel día?¡'En el corazón de la Decimoquinta', ya disponible en RM Play!Madridistas Platinum + Premium + Socios pic.twitter.com/6o7Ld4ZzmM— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 16, 2026 Awesome video of the halftime against Dortmund. I wonder who the voices in the locker room are now
🚨 “Diego Rico spoke was like I k*lled him… if I wanted to hurt him, he’d not even get up”.Toni Rüdiger hit back at Diego Rico’s reaction after the foul and said the incident was being “exaggerated”. @BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/WtBILdrYDP— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 16, 2026 This guy is severely mentally ill....
He got lucky. Could have easily been a red card and multi game suspension. Should shut up and work on his anger management.